The tuc has called for urgent action to reduce dust levels in the workplace, a hazard responsible for thousands of deaths every year.

In new guidance which has been sent out to all union safety reps, the TUC outlines the case for stronger action against dust and shows the current standards used for the assessment of dust exposure in the workplace are inadequate.

The TUC publication says there is now clear, scientific evidence which suggests the current UK limits for inhalable and respirable dust should be much lower. It cites research showing a considerable number of cases of cancer and lung diseases caused by dusts come from exposure that is well below the current legal limit.

This view is supported by the Institute of Medicine (IoM), an independent organisation that works outside of government to provide unbiased advice to decision-makers and the public, which has said "the current British occupational exposure limits for airborne dust are unsafe and employers should attempt to reduce exposures to help prevent further cases of respiratory disease amongst workers".